Grieving

Canada became a lesser place on Monday.  A great Canadian, Jack Layton, lost his battle with cancer early Monday morning. Coming on the heels of his stunning electoral victory in May, his death has hit Canada hard.  Jack believed in Canada and fought to make it an even better place.  Even on his deathbed, he offered words of encouragement and exhortation to all Canadians.  He wrote, in part:

" Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. "

 Although I didn't completely agree with Jack, he was a politician that I respected and cheered.  I was looking forward to watching him as the leader of the Official Opposition(Yes, I'm a closet political junkie).  Canada, especially the House of Commons, will be a poorer place. 

 But Jack Layton wasn't the only one to leave this world on Monday. Mr. H, the superintendant of our complex, passed away Monday afternoon.  Mr. H was a quiet man, one who always had a word of encouragement or humour for us.  He was a good father, husband and grandfather. I can't imagine not seeing him everyday. 

 I am going to try to write today for Imperfect Prose, but words are slow in coming.  Over here, we're grieving.